Wayne "Rusty" Stitt

Dr. Stitt is a faculty specialist in the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology in the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. He serves as the program coordinator for K-12 MA and Ed.S. programs, including being the faculty advisor for these students. Dr. Stitt earned an Ph.D. in educational leadership from Western Michigan University, an M.A. from Western Michigan University, and a B.A. from Indiana University.

Rusty was an K-12 administrator for over 20 years serving as an athletic director, assistant principal, principal and superintendent. He was recognized as a W.M.U. Golden Apple recipient in 2019 for his positive impact as a practitioner in leading his districts through systemic reform and having a positive impact on students and staff. Some of Dr, Stitt’s accomplishments include serving as principal for a school recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best high schools in America. As a superintendent he led his district by developing a shared vision and enacted meaningful changes for students and teachers including standards-based grading, STEM education for all K-8 students, project-problem based education, student-led conferences, one-to-one technology integration, teacher collaboration through PLCs, and an early middle college program that has increased the average number of college credits earned per graduate to 17.

Dr. Stitt teaches courses and serves on specialist and doctoral committees and undergraduate honors theses related to K-12 educational leadership. Classes regularly taught include adaptive personnel, central office instructional leadership, and supervision of field experiences. Dr. Stitts’ research interests focus on research-based best practices in education.